7/30/2018: There are two more days left in this month, so be sure to hit up the Christmas in July for your free egg!

7/2/2018: July's New Post is up! With it we have the closing of the Dana Festival, a new event, new OTMs, swarms are back, and some other exciting things for shops!

3/5/2018: Woah, this is a huge news post! We have tons of updates, including OTMs, new swarms, some rule updates, and a new subforum! Check it out!!

2/19/2018: Our special week of Valentine Celebration ends on the 21st, so make sure you get your post in to get a free Sweetheart!

2/4/2018: Our monthly news post has been posted! Congrats to all of our OTM winners! Also, now's the perfect time to submit nominations for next month's OTMs! We're also looking for new staff, so please read the whole post!

With flower boxes lining every street, polished white stone buildings towering in the air and dozens of Flabébé floating gently through the breeze, Caecus is a fairy-type lover's paradise, filled with Pokémon who have grown extremely used to human contact. Feral Snubbull are often simply adopted from off the streets, while Mime Jr.s and Cleffas collect the scraps fallen from the opulent outdoor dining tables of overpriced cafes. Caecus' official bird is Starly.

Both larger and more heavily populated than its sister-town of Campana, Caecus is just on the verge of being deemed a true city, complete with the corruption and greed to go with the title. Researchers will feel right at home with the local focus on TMs, performance-enhancing drugs, and less than legal training techniques, while trainers themselves may be interested in the recently installed -type gym, which boasts both its challenge and high fashion. Driving their prosperity through transport, clothing manufacturing, and a black market linked directly to Piscari, Caecus is a home-away-from-home for those less than inclined to follow the word of the law. Its original population is largely light-skinned, with a mix of French and British dialects.

Traveling the city of Caecus at dusk was always a vision of beauty- and for Lele- it was far more than just simple pretty things. The sun setting rays over the lightly snow dusted city always sent chills down her spine. Having always appreciated how snow can take anything and make it a magical wonderland for people always amazed her. But sharing this beauty with someone you cared about? That was even better. Having invited a friend out for a night on the town, she happened to just be waiting for them to show up. Traveling one of the alleyways to get to her destination faster.

Dressed in a large baggy sweater that reached her knees, a pair of leggings, and thigh-high boots, she made sure she was not freezing. Crown had moved from her head to cuddling around her neck. Tucked under the warmth of the jacket and half out of sight. Only small glimpses of the bright colored flowers could be seen. She would have had her two ratttata out, but she did not want to lose them in the snow or have them be too cold. That was just unfair for the tiny rat pokemon. On her shoulder was a purse, which had some items tucked away inside. Probably the pokeballs, and some other items. Reaching in here to grab her phone.

As she pulled the phone out, she glanced at the ring on her middle finger. It had Tenma's insignia on it, and now she was just admiring the piece of jewelry. Stepping out from the alleyway, she looked around curiously. This is where she told her friend to meet her. Maybe they got a little lost or confused? Tapping her fingers number into her phone, she started to call them. The phone rang for a few seconds, before someone answered.

"Hey, where are you?"

Going to lean back against a nearby wall of a building in the alleyway. Foot tapping lightly against the ground as she just waited to find out where her friend was. A slow frown came over her face as she heard they weren't going to make it. Sighing softly, she kept her smile.

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

The evening was brisk, but thankfully there was not much wind blowing through the city. The sun was setting and a number of businesses were closing down for the night. Unlike the small towns near Caecus, while some places closed, others were just opening up to welcome those finished with a day of hard work. Restaurants still buzzed with business of course, but soon the patrons would be leaving to either head home or hit one of the many clubs or bars through out Caecus. There was almost constant activity here, humans milling about at all hours, giving them no peace.

They moved as stealthily as possible through the alleys and behind buildings. A difficult task given that they were large and they were injured. They just wanted a safe place to rest, but these humans were hounding them. They'd barely had any sleep in the last several days, managing an hour or two before they were found again.

The large Pokemon slipped into another empty alley and limped their way deeper. A clawed front foot stepped onto a patch of ice and with the other leg unable to bear their weight, they stumbled. The beast flinched--less from the impact and more from the noise--when they collided with some garbage cans, bringing the metal tins and their contents banging to the ground with them. They laid still, ears straining to any sound of approaching footsteps. Luckily, the ones hunting them weren't close enough--a certain green-haired girl however, was.

With a deep sigh, what was she supposed to do now? It was supposed to be a night out to forget troubles. Not get more. Leaning against the wall, she thought of what she could do. Maybe go get some food? Food was always an option for her. Or maybe catch some late showing of a cheesy movie. Wasn't there a new Disney movie out? That sounded like a good idea.

That was until the sound of garbage trash crashing together. It almost made her jump out of her skin. Skin crawled as she thought of what it could be. Scared eyes glanced over towards the noise. What could it be? Was it just some snubble knocking over trash? Wait! That meant it might be a hungry pokemon? Eyes went huge, and she soon had to check this out.

Lele this is not how that works.

Walking curiously forward, she went to tip toe her way around the corner of the building. Peeking around the corner, she spotted- what was that? Eyes went huge, and she looked at the poor creature. It looked hurt? Was it hurt? Frowning deeply, she slowly eased her way out from the corner. What was giving her the courage to even go near this this?

The comfey on her head did not like what she was doing, giving a angry soft jingle to try and get her to go back and away from this. The only thing on Lele's mind was to help the pokemon, though.

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

They felt like each second was hours as they laid still, straining to hear if anyone or anything was coming for them. Just when they thought it was all clear, soft steps reach their ears--even with the control helmet covering them, they had good hearing. Their body went rigid, head turning just enough to spot who or what was approaching. Another Pokemon, they could handle, even if they were injured. They were large enough to be intimidating to most and even though they were injured, their snarling worked just fine.

The Type:Null paused in giving off a warning growl, however, when they spotted a petite form. It was human, no doubt, but so small. They'd never seen any person that size, even though there were several female scientists in the lab. And she was female, they could scent that. There was also something about the way she moved that had them watching her instead of her telling her to go away. The artificial Pokemon lifted their head and presumably watched her, though it may be heard to tell with that device on their head.

Pools of blue seemed to only grow sad at the sight of the poor Pokemon before her. Placing a hand over her heart, she felt it ache for the creature. Clenching the bag she had carried with her, inside she had a Pokesnack she had been saving for Crown, but...

This Pokemon needed help.

Pulling out the wrapped piece of food, she started to slowly make her way over too the large creature. She already looked small- but she tried to make herself look even smaller. Crown on her head jingled a bit more frantically to get her to flee- but she was not listening. With a frustrated huff, he gave up. Tenma was either going to be proud of her- or call her stupid for trying to help this monster.

"Hey there big guy... I'm not going to hurt you. I have some food, do you want it?"

Hand reached out slowly, offering the food towards the large pokemon. Crown was looked ruffled, raising himself slowly up off Lele's head- ready at any moment to strike if it got violent.

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

Small as the human was, she was getting uncomfortably close. With their one good front leg, they pushed their chest up off the ground and pressed back against the wall. They turned their head to the side, but kept their eye on her as she reach into her bag. The Type: Null stiffened further, as impossible as that seemed, a low growl just starting to build when she pulled out...was that food? They worked their nose under the control helmet--it limited their smell, but not by much. They were just starting to relax again when the flowered crown on her head jingled sharply, causing them to flinch.

The normal type tossed his head anxiously and backed up along the wall, even though it caused them to knock over more garbage cans. The banging and crashing only seemed to panic them more and they were scrambling for the exit, even if it led to an open street. In their hurry, they ignored their injury, the refreshed adrenaline blocking out the pain temporarily as they tried to flee. They were almost almost to the mouth of the alley when two large shadows filled it, causing them to slide to a halt.

So close! So...Close. Seeing the pokemon start to relax, it made a smile come slowly across her ace. If she could get it closer- she could possibly calm it enough to try and help it's poor leg. However, Crown's aggressive jingling startled them. Frowning, her eyes shot towards the top of her head, her nostrils flaring out in a low huff at the flower pokemon. "Really?" She hissed lowly at him, she almost had the pokemon eating out of her palm!

The knocked over garbage cans made her flinch as well. Snapping her head up as it took off. "Wait, no you'll hurt yourself even more!" Came the soft cry from her, stumbling to correct herself onto her feet and take off in a brisk jog after the pokemon. It wasn't hard for her to catch up, the girl was fit for her size. But that was not why she caught up- it was the two shadows blocking off the large pokemon in front of her.

Frowning, this was not good. Go and get yourself into even more trouble Lele, Tenma is going to kill you for this. Frowning, she soon reached up to grab Crown, hugging him to her chest. Slowly starting to creep up behind the Type:Null, trying to adjust her eyes to the shadows that was blocking it's path- whatever it was, if a friend, she would try and get the Pokemon some help, if not it seems she would have to use Crown for another fight.

Where Caecus may look like a sweet town on the outside, there is a darker underbelly hidden behind the curtain.

Before Lele could get close enough to discern what had caused the large Pokemon to halt in their tracks, a gruff voice sounded from the mouth of the alley. "There's the beast. I told you I heard something." The voice snapped in hushed tones. "Yeah, whatever. Don't let it get away this time, huh, smartass?" A different voice replied, this one not quite as deep.

When they stepped further into the alley, the musician would see two men, one short, but broad through the chest and shoulders while the other was taller but very lean. Their eyes were solely focused on the Pokemon, easily looking over the small woman behind it. The taller man pulled a Pokeball from his pocket while the other readied what looked like rope or a net in his hands.

A WILD TYPE: NULL APPEARS

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

The Pokemon started to shift backwards from the approaching figures, but paused when they remembered that the tiny human was somewhere behind them. At this point, they'd rather take their chance with the woman, but it seemed they were running out of options. As the men moved closer, a growl rose from their chest, building into a warning snarl as they leaned back from them.

A flash of light, and a Pokemon was released from the Pokeball. A buzzing sound filled the cool air as a Beedrill rose into the air between the Type: Null and her trainer. She moved her needle arms threateningly, but waited for her human's order before doing anything. "Now, come along quietly and you don't need to get hurt again."

The artificial Pokemon tried putting weight on their foreleg, but winced and lifted it immediately again. They glanced back over their shoulder at Lele, wondering if they were going to have to fight on two fronts...

For once- Lele was glad she was small. It was keeping her out of the sight of the two looming figures in front of the injured pokemon. A deep frown came over her face, and that nose twitched. Waves of concern came over her for the pokemon. That was looking for an escape route. Blue eyes flickered to the Beedrill that was released by one of the figures. They were going to hurt it? It was either heroism, or stupidity that washed over her.

Stepping out from behind the Type:Null, she looked at Crown. "Help... please?" She whispered softly towards the fairy type. Who did not look amused at the fact his trainer was putting herself in danger for a pokemon she did not even know. But it was Lele, and this was just how she was. Too kind hearted for her own good. The comfey quickly rose into the air and placed himself right in front of the Type:Null, making sure he was in between the and the Beedrill.

Lele knew she was not intimidating what so ever, but she was not going to back down, stepping up behind the pokemon and straight into view. Now she was nervous, her hand reached for her phone in her pack- wanting to drag it out and call Tenma- or one of the guards. Fear and nervousness wrecked her body, bringing her hand to her face. Starting to chew on her nails, only the faintest glimmer of the ring on her finger.

Shaking her head, she had to focus. Don't be scared. Oh Tenma is going to be very disappointed in you later for doing this by yourself. "Hey! Leave the pokemon alone!" she said, her voice was not scary- it was obvious there was a hint of nerves behind or the possibly fear. The girl rose her head, trying to stand high as she came closer to the Type:Null. "I got you, you won't have to be fighting me." Voice whispered softly towards the large creature.

Crown just could not believe Lele was doing this. His eyes flickering between the Beedril and back towards Lele- who he could barely see out of the corner of his eye. Soft jingles emitted from him, that was directed at the Type:Null, trying to convey to him that Lele was no threat and that she would help them.

Where Caecus may look like a sweet town on the outside, there is a darker underbelly hidden behind the curtain.

Even as she stepped out from behind the Type:Null, the men didn't notice her, their attention on the large and dangerous Pokemon. Their first clue that they weren't alone was the Comfey floating out from behind the artificial Pokemon and getting in the way. The Beedrill's buzzing increased, taking on a definite aggressive note to the interfering fairy type. "The hell is this?" He snorted at the tiny flower crown. "A little hero? Get of the way, before you regret it." The shorter trainer growled, his Pokemon responding by jabbing a needle arm threatening at Crown.

The appearance of the fairy, however, had the taller man looking into the alley. Spotting the slight form of a human, his eyes narrowed. "More company than just the flower child." When Lele stepped out, both men looked at each other, silently seeking suggestions from the other. The second man looked back at her. "There's nothing to worry about, Miss. It's not safe and not suppose to be here, plus, it's injured. We're gonna help it out and put it somewhere safe."

The broader man folded his arms and waited, letting his companion take the lead. "Easy, girl." He soothed the bug type as she continued to buzz angrily.

A WILD TYPE: NULL APPEARS

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

The large Pokemon leaned away from the small human as she stepped out from behind them, still feeling cornered. As the Comfrey placed himself between themselves and the dangerous men, they tilted their head in confusion. Why were they helping? Why did they care? A growl rose in their throat when the Beedrill buzzed more loudly.

At least with the girl next to the, the Type:Null was able to back up a big, giving them more space. The artificial Pokemon bowed their head when the petite woman spoke, distrust strumming through them. Why? What did she want for her help? Would it be worth it? Nothing was ever free...

The man's words to the green-haired woman had another snarl rising in their throat again.

Keeping her eyes on the two men in front of her, Lily did not trust either of them. Fingers once again twitched at her purse. Where was one of those bodyguards when she did need them? Hand slowly reached inside the clutch, grabbing her phone. Expression hardened on the men. Not trusting w word they were telling her. They were brutes. “I believe you about as far as I can throw you. I’m not allowing you to hurt this pokemon again.” Voice was steady, but it was cracking a bit. Looking at Crown, she then glanced back towards the Null as it stepped back.

Positioning herself in front of him, ocean hues locked onto the men. Thumb was quickly ready to call someone to her. Rather it be the cops or just simply texting Tenma. Turning her head back towards the Type:Null, she gave them a reassuring smile. “It’s okay- I won’t let them hurt you. I promise.” Head went back to the men, looking at the beedrill. So far she nor the bug type had a type advantage, seemed listening to her ex babble on about battling wasn’t a bad idea.

“Crown.. Go for it.”

At the command, the flower lea soon jingled in confirmation of it’s trainers order. The leaves on the string attached on it started to glow. But he zoomed forward, going straight up to the Beedrill. Waving his little hands, he blew a kiss right for the bug-type. If the attack connected, it would leave the bug type confused. Lele was not one to attack first, but she wasn’t trying to hurt the Beedrill. If it was confused, they might withdraw it and leave them be. However, she highly doubted it.

Since she lacked the knowledge of the taller male’s pokemon, she was wary. A arm was held out in front of the Type:Null, ready to try and scare it off away from here if they went after him. Not wanting the poor thing to get hurt again. Having heard them say it would get hurt again if the Null didn’t come along, and Lele was not going to have that.

Where Caecus may look like a sweet town on the outside, there is a darker underbelly hidden behind the curtain.

The Beedrill trainer's face shifted into a glare as the girl called their bluff. They were wasting their time with this nosy brat and her damn fairy--they had too much work to do. When his partner went to cut him off once again, the shorter man stepped forward and shoved the larger one aside. "We've tried this your way, she ain't buying it. Now it's my way." The giant bee buzzed with agreement and anticipation as her trainer pushed himself forward. The other man growled under his breath, but didn't protest. "Now, I'll take care of little Miss Righteousness, you make sure that thing doesn't make a break for it."

The other man sighed, but pulled a pokeball from his pocket. He didn't release his Pokemon just yet, but he was ready to toss the ball into the Type:Null's path, should it decide to flee in the other direction.

Meanwhile, the girl had sent her Pokemon forward and the Beedrill was ready to rumble. Prepared for some sort of attack, be it physical pain or some sort of glare or snarl that would put her on edge, she was taken aback when the fairy blew a kiss at her. The energy touched her right on the nose, created starbursts in front of her eyes and making her shake her head. She buzzed irritably and tried to focus, but the world was spinning and she was wobbling in the air. "Stop messing around! Use Twin Needle!"

Hearing her trainer's order, the insect flew forward and struck out with one needle arm and then the other to where she was pretty sure the Comfey was floating.

A WILD TYPE: NULL APPEARS

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

The Pokemon narrowed their eyes on confusion as the little human stepped between them and the dark men. What was she doing? But more importantly, why was she doing it? They tried putting weight on their forelimb again, only to jerk it back up and hiss in pain. They glanced behind, considering the exit, but the other man had one of those spherical devices out and ready. What manner of creature would spring forth from that contraption? They might be able to avoid it, but what of her?

They were not sure they trusted the girl and her flower Pokemon, but should they really risk leaving her alone and surrounded? This person may want something from them, but surely it couldn't be worse than being locked up again? The tests, the experiments, the pain.... No. There couldn't be anything that this woman wanted that would be worse than that. So they would stay and wait to see what happened.

This was a serious situation, Lily, do not laugh- she stifled a giggle at the Beedrill's reaction to the Sweet Kiss. Crown on the other hand did not share his trainer's childish nature. His eyes were glued forward, ready to see what could be next. What next was seeing the Beedrill buzz around in confusion, then swipe up and stab him right in the face. A jingle of pained cries left the flower pokemon, floating back and shaking his head.

Lily was whining at the hit Crown took, before she puffed up and glared the men down. "How dare- you two are going to pay for this." Her foot stomped against the ground in annoyance. She was here to protect this poor Pokemon, and these two brutes were not going to ruin that! "Draining Kiss, Crown!" The confidence that leaked from her throat, who knows where it came from. Or the blazing fires in those blue eyes.

Crown nodded at the command, zooming his little body up to the Beedrill, grinning at her and going to try and plant a little smooch right onto her cheek, before going to and fly back from her and replace himself back in front of Lily.

While the girl shot a glance back to the Null, she gave it an affectionate look. Maybe.. maybe if she linked with it, it could keep it away from these men? Biting her lip, it was worth a shot. Offering her hand towards him, she was just urging him with her eyes. She only wants to help.

Where Caecus may look like a sweet town on the outside, there is a darker underbelly hidden behind the curtain.

The first of the Beedrills attempts to stab at the fairy failed, managing to nick herself instead. A pained hissed emitted from her, but she shook her head again to try and clear her senses before lunging forward again. She felt her needle-arm make contact and the jingle of pain had her buzzing with excitement once more.<p>

Her trainer grumbled in annoyance when the first attack hit her--they didn't have time for this. He was kept from further complaint when the second struck home. Not home enough, it seemed, as he watched the flower-collecting creature close for any signs of poisoning. No such luck thus far.<p>

His companion tapped his foot impatiently, not caring for standing here and doing nothing. Eyeing the Type Null, he slipped his bag from his shoulder and set it on the ground. Hopefully with the excitement of battle, the beast and the girl would be too distracted to notice him digging through his bag. He wanted to be prepared in case this battle went sideways.<p>

When Crown darted in close again--damn that stupid fairy was quick--the large insect tried jerking back to avoid a second kiss. What was with this Pokemon? They were battling, not flirting. But it became apparent that her opponent knew exactly what they were doing as energy struck through her. It forced its way into her body, then was dragging energy back out and toward the little demon fairy. The but-type hissed and lunged forward with another twinneedle again.

A WILD TYPE: NULL APPEARS

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

Eyes rapidly shifted back and forth as the Pokemon moved to the dance of battle. They were familiar with combat, it was one of the few ways to please the white-coats. Be the strongest, bethe fiercest. Even if all the caged Pokemon were in the same position, had reason to band together and rise up against the humans, the white-coats managed to find ways to turn them against one another. They and a couple of others tried to convince the rest, but empty stomachs and night of no pain were hard to argue against.<p>

The beast's eyes shifted to the woman as she turned to them, her eyes locking on theirs. There was something in those aqua depths, like she was trying to speak to them, but without words. Their focus flickered back to the fight as the Beedrill darted forward again. They were curious as to what the human was trying to do, but it was hard to concentrate on her when battle was close to them.<p>

Lily’s gaze averted back to the battle, seeing how Crown- to her- looked like he was winning. “You handle this, Crown!” She ordered him, as she inched herself closer to the Type:Null, keeping her stance low and submissive towards the large creature. If they allowed her to get close enough, he would stand off to the side. “Hey big guy, I’m just trying to make sure they don’t pull any funny business and sneak over here, alright?” Of course, she was not sure if the creature understood what she was saying or how she felt. But again, she was still trying to connect with the creature, and keep it away from the two men on the opposite side.

At the order to take the battle into his own flowers, he looked back at the Beedrill. Giving her a playful wink, and a cheerful jingle. Seems they didn’t like that kiss, so he would just give her another! Going to dart back towards the bee, they would try to zoom around behind them to sneak a kiss to the side of the face. Giving cheerful little jingles at them before going to dash away from them again- only to get that stick in the back. What they got for being so overzealous! Giving a distorted hiss, they kept back from the Bee for now.

Where Caecus may look like a sweet town on the outside, there is a darker underbelly hidden behind the curtain.

Once again, as the Beedrill moved in to attack, one hit home while the she just managed to hurt herself trying the second. The Comfey's swooping and jingling around her wasn't helping matters, the sounds disorienting to her while her senses were still spinning. The insect buzzed angrily, spatting at the little fairy to knock it off. But he dived in again to deliver another kiss. Thoroughly done with this games, the Beedrill responded by flexing her abdomen and gathering venom in the tip of her stinger. A viscus purple fluid dripped from the tip just before she fired a blast of it toward the tiny Pokemon.

The other trainer glanced up to the girl and the beast, but the Type: Null's attention was torn between the battle and woman creeping closer while her attention was solely for the monster. He opened his pack and pulled out a device that looked like a gun, but was a bit too thick and oddly shaped to be a normal one. The Beedrill's trainer glanced to his partner, quirking a brow. Was he going to go after the monster by himself or try and help out his Pokemon against this obnoxious fairy?

A WILD TYPE: NULL APPEARS

The heavy control mask it wears suppresses its intrinsic capabilities.

The large Pokemon shifted slightly, wincing at the pain in their leg as the female human moved closer, but they didn't move away from her. They were restless and didn't like being cornered. They wanted to leave, but not to abandon the only soul they'd met who seemed to be trying to help. After a long pause, they nodded their head in understanding and allowed her closer to them.

Suddenly, the beast's body went rigid, their sense of danger tingling. Their head swung around, looking for the source of the feeling. Dark eyes landed on the man kneeling. Light glinted off the metal object in his hand, drawing their focus to it. A growl rose in their chest, low and rumbling at first, but then building into a defensive snarl. They weren't sure who the device was meant for, but they found themselves feeling equally protective of the girl and tiny Pokemon as they were about themselves.